Process Safety
Hard real-time control on PCs
Hard real-time efforts appeared in many forms at NMW. [See also CE, April 1998, "PC-based Control Goes Real Time," p. 54.]Radisys' (Hillsboro, Ore.) exhibited its INtime real-time solution. Alex Doumani, general manager for embedded software, says semiconductor equipment, robotics, and other factory automation manufacturers are among INtime's users.
Family of advanced control, optimization solutions
Phoenix, Ariz.— Users can select and combine applications from the Profit Suite to achieve various levels of process optimization. Profit Suite applications include multivariable control algorithms, multiunit steady-state, and dynamic optimization, and first-principles modeling of nonlinear processes.
Operator workstation adds enhancements
Billerica, Mass.— ProPanel from Azonix is now available in a 14 in. flat-panel screen option. With this display, a "hi-bright" is available for sunlight viewing. A self-adjusting option modifies screen brightness in relation to ambient light conditions. ProPanels are available with Intel Pentium processors with speeds up to 166 MHz and main memory up to 128 MB.
Pacific Scientific Shareholders to Vote on Danaher Offer
Newport Beach, Calif.— Pacific Scientific Co.'s shareholders will vote March 27 on the proposed $460 million acquisition of the company by a wholly owned subsidiary of Danaher Corp. (Washington, D.C.). Shareholders on record as of Feb. 25 will be able to vote at the special meeting, which was called by Pacific Scientific's board of directors on Feb.
Probe Kit, Testing Software Aid EMI Testing
Santa Cruz, Palo Alto, Calif..— Two recent innovations from the Golden State may help users in the electromagnetic interference (EMI) testing and compliance fields.First, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently picked EMI probes from Credence Technologies Inc. for use by its field inspectors to ensure compliance with FCC radio frequency (RF) emission regulations.
Intelligent Pressure Scanners Enhance Chillers
To help build more efficient centrifugal compressors for its chillers, McQuay International recently researched the thermodynamic state of HFC-134a refrigerant throughout the compression process at its plant in Staunton, Va. The company discovered that conventional equipment was expensive and difficult to use, but eventually found and incorporated System 9000 in...
Instant Fulfillment Promises Fast Access to Product Information
Want information on products advertised in Control Engineering but don't have the time for mail-in reader service? The answer is Instant Fulfillment.In addition to the current process of mailing in a reader service card and waiting for more information through the mail, readers can also access more information "instantly" on the web.
New Sensor Has PreciseColor Discrimination
Engineers have long sought a sensor that can identify the subtlest color differences at the speeds and repeatability required by production lines. Well, their search may be over thanks to Omron Electronics Inc. (Schaumburg, Ill.). The company recently released its new E3MC RGB (red/green/blue) color sensor, which Omron says features a unique threshold sensitivity adjustment that allows pr...
Nematron Signs OEM Agreement with Schneider Automation
Nematron Corp. announced Jan. 27 that it signed a multimillion dollar contract to supply a series of its Pentium- and Pentium II-based open architecture industrial control computers (ICCs) to Schneider Automation (North Andover, Mass.) under a private label OEM agreement.
Off-Line Editor
El Cajon, Calif. —Mazatrol Off-Line Editor is engineered to allow users the option of writing or editing Mazatrol programs without tying up Mazak machines. This Windows-based application makes it possible to write, copy, and paste; insert a line; or change processes within Mazatrol programs while allowing the Mazak machines to operate without costly interruptions.
